Army develops “Green paint
Article Type: New materials and equipment From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 55, Issue 5
A new coating system being made available for the Army’s use to paint aircraft and other equipment performs better than the standard system and is safer for humans and the environment.
The new system caps two years of research and testing by the Connecticut Army National Guard at its 1109th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot(AVCRAD) on trivalent chromium-based primers and sealers.
Chromium has long been used in paint to create dense, protective coatings. This is especially important to the army, which needs to cover its equipment with paint that can resist corrosive chemical agent.
In its hexavalent form, however, chromium is a known carcinogen. Although,the army has used chromium-6-based paint safely to protect and extend the life of its expensive equipment, it sought an alternative that was less potentially harmful to human health and the environment.
Then, in 2006, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released more stringent regulations for permissible exposure limits of chromium-6. The Connecticut Army National Guard’s 1109th AVCRAD, which plays a major role in army aircraft maintenance, decided to develop a green alternative to its standard chromium-6 paint system.
The result is a chromium-3- and water-based chemical agent resistant coating system that exceeds the performance of the old system. The new coating leaves a smoother finish and is more resistant to fading and chalking, which minimizes the need for cosmetic painting.
It also reduces the use of hazardous materials, the release of potentially harmful air emissions, and the harmful chemicals present during disposal.
“AVCRAD’s willingness to test and demonstrate the viability of alternative aircraft primers will help eliminate they Army’s use of chromium-6, resulting in significant protection of human health and the environment,” says Dana Arnold, Chief of Staff for the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive. “The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive applauds AVCRAD for helping the Army to meet (an Executive Order)while achieving its mission.”
With the US Army Aviation and Missile Command, the 1109th AVCRAD initiated and now manages the effort to promote use of the new paint system in both military and private organizations.
The new system has earned its developers the Army’s highest honor in environmental stewardship: the Secretary of the Army Environmental Award, which was presented April 4.
